Port Indirect Source Rule Newsletter #9

Newsletter 9

Dear Friends:

Welcome to the latest edition of the Indirect Source Rule newsletter to keep you updated on the latest developments regarding the SCAQMD proposal to the Port ISR.

AQMD Hosts Community Workshop on Infrastructure Investments

The South Coast AQMD hosted a community infrastructure workshop to discuss strategies for infrastructure investment at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Stakeholders discussed how investments in zero-emissions infrastructure and technology could enhance environmental sustainability while protecting jobs and supporting the region’s economic vitality.

This workshop was the first discussion about developing an infrastructure investment agreement between the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD). These efforts reflect our coalition’s call to prioritize investment and innovation over burdensome and unnecessary mandates like the proposed Ports ISR. However, AQMD staff indicated that the only direction from their Board was to pursue a Rule. It is important that stakeholders reach out to AQMD Board members and ask them to provide new direction with pursuing a collaborative infrastructure agreement with the Ports and not a regulation.

Joint Statement from Mayors Bass and Richardson Highlights Infrastructure Approach

Last week, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson released a powerful joint statement supporting infrastructure investments instead of regulatory caps.

The mayors reaffirmed their commitment to working with all stakeholders—labor unions, businesses, environmental advocates and community leaders—to build the infrastructure necessary for achieving zero-emissions operations.

As the statement emphasized:

“We support the development of a zero-emissions infrastructure plan. Now, under the context of a new Administration, we must work together regionally to continue this progress – both in protecting the environment and supporting our industries – to move our cities, ports, and communities forward.”

In response, PMSA issued a statement reaffirming their support for the Mayors' outlook on this issue. While this is a positive first step, our work is not finished. It’s crucial that we remain engaged and continue advocating for balanced solutions that will lower emissions without risking our region’s economy.

Let’s Get Social:

Our coalition has launched a new social media campaign featuring ILWU port workers, terminal operators, and other stakeholders who depend on the San Pedro Bay Ports. The campaign highlights their voices and the critical role they play in sustaining our regional economy. Visit our social media pages to watch the new campaign. Help us amplify the message by sharing these posts on your social networks:

Since 2005, @portoflongbeach and @portoflosangeles have reduced diesel emissions by 91% while achieving record-breaking cargo growth! The proposed Ports ISR threatens to undo this progress and shift cargo to dirtier ports. Let’s build on success, not punish it! #NoPortsISR #NoCargoCap

If you know of anyone who should be added to this newsletter, please have them reach out to Natasha Villa at nvilla@pmsaship.com.